Open AccessAntithrombotics prescription and adherence among stroke survivors: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Author(s) -
Yang Min,
Cheng Hang,
Wang Xia,
Ouyang Menglu,
Shajahan Sultana,
Carcel Cheryl,
Anderson Craig,
Kristoffersen Espen Saxhaug,
Lin Yapeng,
Sandset Else Charlotte,
Wang Xiaoyun,
Yang Jie
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
brain and behavior
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.915
H-Index - 41
ISSN - 2162-3279
DOI - 10.1002/brb3.2752
Subject(s) - antithrombotic , medicine , stroke (engine) , meta analysis , medical prescription , atrial fibrillation , anticoagulant , fibrinolytic agent , intensive care medicine , pharmacology , mechanical engineering , engineering
Objectives We aimed to investigate the prescription of antithrombotic drugs (including anticoagulants and antiplatelets) and medication adherence after stroke. Methods We performed a systematic literature search across MEDLINE and Embase, from January 1, 2015, to February 17, 2022, to identify studies reporting antithrombotic medications (anticoagulants and antiplatelets) post stroke. Two people independently identified reports to include, extracted data, and assessed the quality of included studies according to the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. Where possible, data were pooled using random‐effects meta‐analysis. Results We included 453,625 stroke patients from 46 studies. The pooled proportion of prescribed antiplatelets and anticoagulants among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) was 62% (95% CI: 57%–68%), and 68% (95% CI: 58%–79%), respectively. The pooled proportion of patients who were treated according to the recommendation of guidelines of antithrombotic medications from four studies was 67% (95% CI: 41%–93%). It was reported that 11% (95% CI: 2%–19%) of patients did not receive antithrombotic medications. Good adherence to antiplatelet, anticoagulant, and antithrombotic medications was 78% (95% CI: 67%–89%), 71% (95% CI: 57%–84%), and 73% (95% CI: 59%–86%), respectively. Conclusion In conclusion, we found that less than 70% of patients were prescribed and treated according to the recommended guidelines of antithrombotic medications, and good adherence to antithrombotic medications is only 73%. Prescription rate and good adherence to antithrombotic medications still need to be improved among stroke survivors.